“I’ve traveled the world touring and things like that but I don’t get the chance to see much of wherever I’m at,” she said. Abdul described the visit as “the most magnificent trip I’ve ever taken … magical and emotional.”

“Beyond being Jewish, I’ve always found myself to be very much in tune with spirituality,” the 51-year-old Abdul told The Associated Press. “I feel very grateful coming to Israel now, where as a woman I know who I am a lot more than even 10 years ago.”

During the interview Abdul also weighed in on American pop star Miley Cyrus, not because of her recent comment about Jewish record executives, but for her popularization of twerking, a dance that involves hip-shaking and other sexually charged movements.

“I think when girls dance, they should be girls,” Abdul said. “I don’t find it the most attractive kind of dance. My Chihuahua can twerk and stick her tongue out at the same time too.”